Lets face it, being a new mom will probably be one of the most challenging things you encounter. Also the most rewarding. You will be overwhelmed with feedings, diapers and spit-up. Don’t even get me started on the lack of sleep. Never thought anyone can function on little to no sleep. Crazy how the human body adapts! I wanted to share 5 tips to all mom newbies. I wish I knew these when I first started my journey as a new mom and certainly wished I listened to others who shared these in the beginning.

Sleep when you can

Everyone will tell you, “When the baby sleeps, you should sleep!” This was something I never adhered to. I mean who has time to sleep?!?! When that baby sleeps, I need to clean, do laundry and cook. That’s what I told myself. I soon came to realize that it is really hard to function on no/to very little sleep. I know it’s difficult not to do household chores, but sleep is key to being a new mom. The mass amount of clothes that have been gifted to your newborn is ridiculous. So the laundry can wait! You have plenty of onesies. When someone wants to bring you food, take it! This will give you some extra time to get a quick snooze rather than preparing dinner. This is one of your toughest jobs. So rest up the best you can. Even if its only for 15 minutes. Sleep deprivation will make you very unhappy, in turn making your new bundle of joy very unhappy too!

Make time for yourself

Who am I kidding? I just had a baby! I don’t have time for that!! Yes you do. I cannot emphasize that enough. You need to make the time. Having your first baby is such a life changer. You went from all about you, to nothing to do with you. When you feed your baby, you generally have about 1.5 to 2 hours in between feedings. When I finished nursing my baby, I made sure my spouse was there to watch him and I would take off and go grocery shopping. Just to have some human contact of the adult kind. I know shopping for milk rather than “clubbing” is not as fulfilling. Trust me, this brought sanity back into a life that was completely changed, albeit for the better. Even if shopping is not on the schedule for that day, take a long shower or bath. You deserve this time to rejuvenate yourself. You just made, carried, and produced a baby!

Set a routine

This is difficult, but crucial. The big question is, “Do I lay my baby down after they fall asleep, or do I lay them down awake to fall asleep on their own?” I do not think there is a right answer. I have had friends with kids who’ve done it one way and others who have done the opposite. Honestly, I prefer to put them to bed awake. I nursed and snuggled my baby, but I always put them down in their crib before slumber crept in. I wanted to set the routine for them. I will be with you to feed, snuggle and dress you, but when its time for bed, its time for bed. This also teaches your baby to self soothe. Which is key for future “sleep training.” The important thing is that spouses, family and others who watch your child stay on the same page. Keep it consistent. It will help your child become accustomed to bedtime routines at a young age. There will be no surprises for them and they will know what is to be expected. No matter which way you choose, do it the same way EVERY time. After all, we are all creatures of habit.

Stop being so quiet

Yes I know you think I’m crazy, but this is true. The more you act “normal” around your child, the more “normal” you life will become. I lived with 2 dogs when my first was born. I had frequent visitors. When the doorbell rang, they barked. Why stress myself out about being quiet when I can acclimate my child to the noises of everyday life. I used a sound machine (affiliate link) since the first day he came home and still use one 7 years later with all 4 of my kids. The sound machine (affiliate link) is wonderful!! I personally use the ocean setting all the time with my kids. It has a timer on it so you can set it and forget it, or keep continual play. I also take it on vacations. The battery option helps out if we are out and do not have access to a plug. Absolutely the best purchase ever!! It produces a great background noise to keep all the harsh ones quiet. For example, while sleeping in his swing I vacuumed, with the soothing waves playing beside him. Not once did he wake. This allowed him to sleep along side our busy lives. Remember, they are apart of your lives now, not the only thing in your life.

Trust your instincts

Woman have this incredible gift that we are all born with, the ability to nurture. When I held my baby boy for the first time, it felt so natural. All the advice in the world could not prepare me for this moment. I had so many people telling me what was right or wrong, how to do this or what not to do. I fixated on their advice and never believed in myself as a new mom. Trust your instincts and follow your heart. You will be amazed at how well you do. This amazing miracle you’ve created trusts and loves you, shouldn’t you do the same?!

When my alarm clock goes off in the morning all I want to do is hit snooze. Unfortunately, I do several times before I get my lazy self out of bed. I go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, put my face on and try to look like a functional human being. When I am all done, I look at myself in the mirror. Not because I’m vain or anything, but to give myself a pep talk. Yes I am a mom and we moms talk to ourselves. I hate to admit it, but I do. Often! You got this! Its going to be the best morning EVER! I hope. Its go time…..ah no, wait a minute, you’re crazy?!?! Where’s the coffee? That’s right, coffee then its go time.

My mornings are crazy. Let me rephrase, INSANE!! I have 4 kids, including myself, to get ready in the morning. Trying to be on time for buses, school start times and getting to work when scheduled. The stress level is at its highest when the sun comes up. Sure I do a lot of my prep at night. Lunches, clothes and book bags are all set out. This really helps when time is limited to plan ahead and believe me I always do. Of course we all know that planning with children, of any age, doesn’t always goes as planned. That is when my best morning EVER just turned into my worst nightmare.

The struggles in the morning are real. You dress, groom and act like a short order cook for your kids. All alone! I resent my husband on mornings like this. Why is he so lucky he gets to leave for work before the kids even wake up? When I’m lucky if I get to work on time! I wish I can be him. Get yourself ready, drink coffee in peace and leave when your done. Easy!

Well…….

I am the beginning parent. My husband is not. There are days he leaves at 5 am and doesn’t get home till 10 pm. Besides being exhausted, he doesn’t see his kids. I see them and I start their day with them. I kiss their foreheads and rub their backs whispering good morning. Sometimes I sing my rendition of Good Morning to my oldest to wake him up (Debbie Reynolds did it best) , but I am there. I get them and their dad doesn’t. I realize that time goes so fast that these chaotic days will soon be gone. No kisses, hugs and sweet conversations during breakfast. Sure the screams and tantrums won’t be there, but I know me ,

I WILL miss this!

When you feel like everything is closing in on you, just pause. Take a deep breath and try to slow it down. Our lives are so busy that we stress on being fast at everything. Always in a hurry. We all want to work fast, but yet the quality of work has to be great. Shouldn’t that work with our kids? Have an efficient morning, with the quality of investing our time with our kids? You are lucky being the beginning parent! The strong hugs and sweet kisses at the bus stop are priceless. My husband can only dream of starting his day, with a big hug from his baby girl! All mornings will not be tough. It gets better and better. When my kids blow me a kiss and say I love you mom, lets me know that I am a very fortunate beginning parent!

When my husband and I purchased our new home, he quickly picked the side of the bed farthest from the door. Of course that turned into a "disagreement." Why is he so lucky to choose the most coveted side of the bed? I mean as parents, we all know that this side of...

When my alarm clock goes off in the morning all I want to do is hit snooze. Unfortunately, I do several times before I get my lazy self out of bed. I go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, put my face on and try to look like a functional human being. When I am all...

When my husband and I purchased our new home, he quickly picked the side of the bed farthest from the door. Of course that turned into a “disagreement.” Why is he so lucky to choose the most coveted side of the bed? I mean as parents, we all know that this side of real-estate is gold, the bees knees, coffee with a shot of whiskey, a whole bottle of wine! His reason, because he is a side sleeper! C’mon brah?!?

Some of you may ask whats the big deal? Let me share with you a story or scenario, if you will.

After a long exhausting day, all I want is my bed. After I hit my pillow, I watch some mindless television to decompress, in minutes I fall fast asleep. Quickly I’m dreaming. Thinking of my toes in the sand, the sun on my face and a cocktail in my hand. When all of a sudden you hear a faint noise. You look around in your dream, but there’s no one there. Now the sound becomes louder and drawn out. You start to hear a voice in a deep whisper. Mom-eeeeee, mom-eeee. It keeps repeating the same thing over and over again. It draws out the word even more and in a deeper whisper than before. Mom-eeeeeeeeee, Mom-eeeeeeeeee. You want it to stop. Why can’t I tan in peace, why are you torturing me? WHY? Then you realize you are having a nightmare. You slowly start to open your eyes. You start to look up and you still hear that same creepy whisper, Mom-eeee! Then you see a ghostly figure, a silhouette of some kind. Am I still dreaming? You realize your awake and that figure is now hovering above you. You scream and jump back. All the while, the husband is still sleeping on his side of the bed. Good God, you shriek. What in the world is this ghostly figure and what do they want from me?

“Mom, can I have a glass of water?”

Yes, that my friend is a toddler in the middle of the night. One who will creep over to the parent closest to the door and ask them for something stupid at 3:00 AM! I have watched my fair share of scary movies, but this is by far the scariest thing ever for a parent. Toddlers creeping around in the middle of the night, not making a peep until they hover above you, whispering your name. No joke my friends. This happens to me often. When it does, I scream EVERY flippin’ time! As for the husband, he sleeps through it all, even the scream, EVERY flippin’ time!

My 3-year-old daughter is very petite and very blonde. You know where I’m going with this? Thats right, Children ofthe Corn people!! In my house! My daughter, also known to us all as “the creeper”, will hide in corners, stand in doorways, all in complete darkness. When you see her silhouette in the doorway all I can think of is, The Shining with those scary twin girls (she is a twin by the way).

Super freaky!

Some may beg to differ on what scares them most. Trust me when I say this, they will haunt you and they will surprise you. They become relentless at night. All for that cup of water, their blanket fell off the bed or they forgot to tell you something during your normal “business” hours. Words of wisdom from a mom of 4, choose your bedside wisely and always be aware of …..